Sycamore's STEAM Aviation Station Receives State Recognition

The district was awarded the 2018 Outstanding Special Recognition Program from the Southwest Region Ohio School Board Association (OSBA).

Each year, OSBA recognizes a program that promotes or shows student achievement. The Aviation Station gives students the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) opportunities both at school and in their neighborhoods.

The decommissioned school bus turned mobile classroom provides STEAM-related activities for students in grades kindergarten through sixth. It visits each of Sycamore’s four elementary schools and E.H. Greene Intermediate during the school day, where teachers can book time for their classes to jump on board. A group of Sycamore Schools teachers, known as the STEAM Team, have created age-appropriate curriculum for their colleagues to use during each school visit.

Four days a week, teachers travel to local neighborhoods on board the Aviation Station to provide homework help after school. The bus is equipped with wifi so that students who may not have internet access at home are able to connect for free.

“The Aviation Station is helping students to become problem solvers, innovators, inventors, and critical thinkers,” said Karen Naber, assistant superintendent. “They are learning the importance of collaboration, cooperation, and communication through project-based learning.”

The project was made possible by generous donations from community members and local businesses. Sycamore Schools was also able to secure grant money to fund the Aviation Station.